Six karatekas off to Iran training stint

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SSC CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee (third right) presents state colours to Leong (centre) as the athletes look on at the Kuching International Airport.

KUCHING: Six members of the Sarawak karate shadow team for Sukma 2020 are undergoing a five-day training stint in Tehran, Iran as part of their preparation for the Johor Sukma.

They are Chang Sze Poh, Michael Owen Haring, Vicent Garfelo, Elnieshernie Endun, Syaza Darmanto and Nur Syahzanani Izzati Yahya.

The karatekas are accompanied by team manager Clarence Leong who is also the state assistant coach, head coach Yousef Ataei Khanghah and Sarawak Karate Association president Datuk Dr Yusoff Nook.

Fully sponsored by Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), the training stint is also part of the development and exposure for the Sarawak team.

While in Iran, the athletes will train and compete in friendly matches with teams in Tehran and Ardabi.

They will participate in two major competitions (one each for male and female athletes) of international standard in Tehran.

“This trip is a follow-up to our first trip also to Iran recently as part of our development efforts.

“We chose Iran to train there as it is the leading power for the sport in Asia besides Japan.

“While there, our athletes will benefit from the Iranian system of training which will boost our athletes tremendously,” said Leong.

Yusoff will be fostering closer ties with the Karate Federation of Tehran to establish future exchange programmes in the training of athletes and coaches from Sarawak.